Malawi President Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has granted a pardon to two prisoners who have been selected to public universities after excelling during the 2022-23 Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE).
The two prisoners, names not provided, have been selected to pursue studies at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) and Mzuzu University.
The President has granted the pardon guided by legal provisions that give him such powers under Section 89 (2) of the Constitution of Malawi.
A statement from the Ministry of Homeland Security says the two have been considered because of their reformed conduct which has culminated into them excelling academically.
“The pardon of the two prisoners by His Excellency the State President is an act of mercy and recognition of the right to education. Further, the pardon is also an indication that prisons are there to reform and rehabilitate inmates by among others, providing psycho-social support and counselling.,” reads part of the statement that was signed by Secretary for the ministry, Oliver Kumbambe.